The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has released the names of the 25 people who died when an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were aboard the aircraft during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement on Tuesday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, identified Squadron Leader MI Aburime as the flight captain, with Squadron Leaders AP Man-Ugwueje and IS Bako serving as co-pilots.
The other crew members were Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC, both aircraft technicians.
The passengers included Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS and Flight Sergeant James RB.
Also listed were Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
The remaining passengers were identified as Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF said search-and-rescue operations began immediately after the crash, with its personnel working alongside relevant authorities in the response effort.
However, the Air Force confirmed that no survivor had been found.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke assured the bereaved families that the Air Force would provide full support during the mourning period.
He has also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and the dissemination of unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers to pay their respects to the victims and offer condolences to their families and the Nigerian Air Force.
